If you're battling watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, or other allergy symptoms this season, the source may not be outside your home.
LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Aaron Ashbrook says one of the most common indoor allergy triggers is often overlooked: cockroaches.
"We typically think about pollen, mold, and other outdoor allergens," Ashbrook said. "But cockroach body parts, shed skins, and droppings can all contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions in people."
Those materials eventually become part of household dust. When that dust is disturbed whether by everyday activity, cleaning, or simply circulating through the home, people can inhale the particles and experience symptoms ranging from mild irritation to more significant allergic reactions.
Ashbrook says the issue is especially important for children.
Research has linked exposure to cockroach allergens with the development of asthma in children, making pest control an important part of maintaining a healthy home environment.
While many people wonder if cockroaches bite, Ashbrook says they generally do not bite humans in the traditional sense. However, heavy infestations have been known to cause unusual problems. He recalled stories from veteran entomologists describing cockroaches feeding on hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows while people slept in severely infested environments.
The best defense, he says, is controlling the insects before they become a problem.
Ashbrook recommends keeping homes clean, sealing potential entry points, and addressing infestations quickly. When cleaning areas where cockroach allergens may be present, vacuuming is often preferable to sweeping because it can help reduce the amount of allergen-laden dust becoming airborne.
Using disinfecting cleaners can also help remove contaminants left behind by the insects.
For those already experiencing allergy symptoms, Ashbrook notes that over-the-counter antihistamines may help manage reactions, though individuals should consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
His biggest takeaway: if seasonal allergies seem unusually persistent and nothing outdoors explains it, it may be worth taking a closer look inside the home.
Sometimes the source of the sniffles isn't blooming in the yard—it's hiding behind the refrigerator.
